In Brief
Datawind Innovations obtained interim relief and appointed an arbitrator from the Delhi High Court, arguing that the exclusive jurisdiction clause favouring Mumbai courts should not apply because no part of the cause of action arose there. The Supreme Court reversed Delhi High Court's judgment, holding that once the seat of arbitration is designated, it functions as an exclusive jurisdiction clause binding on all courts. The juridical seat (Mumbai) gives courts there exclusive supervisory jurisdiction over arbitral proceedings, regardless of where the cause of action originated. This aligns with international arbitration principles and the territorial sovereignty of the seat jurisdiction.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.